Public opinion is a permeating influence, and it exacts obedience to itself; it requires us to drink other men's thoughts, to speak other men's words, to follow other men's habits.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the power and pervasive nature of public opinion, as it suggests that it influences our behavior, thoughts, speech, and even our habits. It implies that succumbing to public opinion requires conformity and the adoption of ideas and practices that might not necessarily align with our own beliefs or values. The quote underscores the potential impact of societal pressures and the role they play in shaping individual behavior and expression.

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